Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 16 hrs ago
SNL sketches RFK Jr. announcing changes to cold and flu season
Saturday Night Live used a sketch to portray Robert F. Kennedy Jr. making a troubling announcement about Americans’ health.
Actor James Austin Johnson played Kennedy, the US health secretary and a vaccine skeptic.
In the sketch, Kennedy proposed renaming cold and flu season to include illnesses such as measles and listeria.
The segment also referred to rising measles cases and recalled meat.
It framed the announcement as part of a visit to sailors returning to the United States after more than 300 days at sea aboard the USS Lincoln.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, played by Colin Jost, introduced Kennedy and joked about the sailors’ health.
The sketch offered satire rather than an official health announcement.
Saturday Night Live sketched Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing changes to how Americans should think about cold and flu season.
In the sketch, Kennedy renamed it “cold and flu and listeria and measles and trenchbrain season.”
James Austin Johnson played Kennedy, who was introduced by Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The sketch also referenced rising measles cases and a recall of 200,000 pounds of pork, beef and goat meat.
- Who
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., portrayed by James Austin Johnson, and Pete Hegseth, portrayed by Colin Jost.
- What
- A Saturday Night Live sketch satirized Kennedy by having him announce a renamed cold and flu season.
- When
- The sketch aired on Saturday Night Live; the article was published October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Saturday Night Live. The sketch addressed sailors returning to the United States from the USS Lincoln.
- Why
- The sketch referenced rising measles cases and health concerns, including recalled meat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
That’s why I’d officially like to rename cold and flu season to: cold and flu and listeria and measles and trenchbrain season
America is healthier than ever.
Now I realize you all returned home with a ship-full of weapons-grade diarrhea, but your health is of our utmost concern, starting…now
You tried so hard and got so far, but in the end it doesn’t even matter.
Pete Hegseth introduced Kennedy while addressing sailors returning to the United States aboard the USS Lincoln.
Kennedy proposed renaming cold and flu season to include listeria, measles and “trenchbrain.
- Program
- Saturday Night Live
- Kennedy actor
- James Austin Johnson
- Hegseth actor
- Colin Jost
- Meat recall mentioned
- 200,000 pounds of pork, beef and goat meat
- Article publication date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
Related news
Shane Gillis accidentally swears during live SNL sketch
‘Blade Runner 2099’ trailer reveals a mystery in a world ruled by replicants
Crazy Rich Asians to return as an eight-episode HBO series
‘Starfleet Academy’ season 2 set for March 2027, adds Bill Nighy and Rosemarie DeWitt
Gail Lerner Fired From NBC Sitcom ‘Newlyweds’ Before Its Premiere
SNL sketches Hegseth pitching a livestreamed execution to USS Lincoln crew
Jimmy Kimmel’s Costume Designer Rodney Muñoz Dies at 60
Jac Schaeffer to Develop a New Stargate Series for Amazon
Triple H says LA Knight emerged stronger after losing to Roman Reigns
New Kuruk series announced as Avatar: Seven Havens gets two more seasons
Iain Armitage and Co-Stars Reflect on the Demands of Young Sheldon
